Glowsticks, pink cowboy hats and bunny ears were all donned by ladies - and gents - as they paced the streets of Northwood and Moor Park in a midnight walk at the weekend.

The popular event is organised to raise money for the Michael Sobell Hospice, based at Mount Vernon Hospital.

More than 400 people went on the midnight stroll, beginning on Friday, June 6 and running through to the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 5th annual Ladies in the Night Walk attracted crowds dressed in pink to raise money for the hospice’s work.

All participants either walked with friends, family or work colleagues in memory of loved ones or simply to support a good cause.

Ophelia Chambers Henry, events and community fundraising manager at the hospice, said: "It was a great night with a warm atmosphere.  Many of the walkers had loved ones who have been cared for by the hospice so it was a chance for them to show their support for us.

"The hospice needs to raise £1.4 million every year to maintain its level of patient care, so the funds raised from this event contribute enormously to this task. Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us."

The event kicked off with a lively Zumba warm-up session on the lawn given by Tara Ashe from Stockley Academy, followed by an extreme warm-up by Katherine Dillon from Velocity Dance.

Walkers then embarked on either a 5.5 mile or 9 mile route, setting off from the Rickmansworth Road hospital at about 10pm.

Fundraisers were greeted at several waterstops with lots of fruits, sweets and chocolate to keep them going around the route until they finished back at the hospice for a well-deserved hot drink and breakfast.

Sarah Meredith, a walker from Rickmansworth, took part with her friends Colin and Sue Bottomley, as well as her dog, Susie.

Ms Meredith said: "I took part in the walk because my dad is being cared for by Michael Sobell Hospice and I wanted to give something back to them. 

"When I asked my friend Colin to walk with me he said as there would be over 400 women at the event and all of them would be flashing so how could he say no."

Pledges are still being counted, but organisers hope that this year’s walk will exceed last year’s total, which exceeded £50,000.

Savills in Northwood sponsored the event and kept the office opened all night, providing refreshments for walkers.

Roger Pollard, of Savills, said: "Supporting our local community is intrinsic to our ethos at Savills.  The work Michael Sobell Hospice carries out is absolutely essential and a cause close to many of our hearts."